Skabies im Kindes- und Jugendalter

[Parasitoses in childhood]

Parasitoses are a frequent occurrence in pediatric consultations in both hospitals and private practices. Responsible for this are parasites that permanently infest human skin, such as Sarcoptes scabiei hominis and Pediculus humanus capitis (persistent parasites) as well as those that only attack the skin for feeding, such as Pulex irritans, Cimex lectularius und Neotrombicula autumnalis (transient parasites). The main symptom of parasitoses is pruritus, which is caused by a delayed allergic reaction to proteins in the saliva of the parasites. In some parasitoses, such as scabies, the pruritus is typical, occurs particularly at night and is associated with a considerable impairment in the quality of life due to the resulting lack of sleep, whereas the pruritus is often absent in the case of pediculosis capitis. In this article persistent and transient parasitoses are characterized based on the patient history, morphology and symptoms.

[Scabies-Renaissance of an ectoparasite infection : Diagnosis and therapy-How to proceed in practice]

Scabies or mange is currently a common dermatosis in Germany and other countries, and should be more important in health policy. It affects a cross-section of society, including all age groups, from infants to the aged. Locals and people with a migration background both suffer from this highly contagious ectoparasite infection with excessive, predominately nocturnal itching. Clinical diagnosis represents a challenge for the experienced dermatologist due to the variety of dermatosis to be considered in the differential diagnosis. It is still unclear whether treatment failure or the recurrences observed everywhere are due to in vitro and in vivo resistance of the pathogen agent Sarcoptes scabiei against permethrin or ivermectin. Therapeutic errors seem to play a role as often not all direct contact persons are recorded and treated with antiscabious treatment. They form the reservoir for reinfections. In the event of repeated nonresponse to topical (permethrin) and/or oral antiscabious treatment, alternative topical preparations-benzyl benzoate or crotamiton-should be used. Combination with ivermectin is mandatory.

[Vesicles, pustules and vesiculopustules in early childhood]

Vesicles, pustules and vesiculopustules are frequent in newborns and infants and mostly self-limiting. In order to differentiate the rare life-threatening diseases and to therefore initiate the treatment in a timely manner, knowledge of vesicular, pustular and vesiculopustular dermatoses in early childhood is necessary.

Differential diagnoses of diaper dermatitis

Diaper dermatitis is the most common contact eczema present in early childhood. The main cause is an irritant reaction to urine and feces, which is facilitated by the occlusive conditions under the diaper, leading to hyperhydration of the stratum corneum (diaper dermatitis). In addition, diaper pressure and friction can increase the risk of skin inflammation, which also opens the skin up to other irritant agents, allergens, and infectious agents, such as candida albicans. However, a variety of diseases are associated with inflammation of the skin in the diaper region, therefore the term "diaper dermatitis" is merely descriptive and does not reflect anything about the etiopathogenesis. The term diaper dermatitis refers only to an inflammation in the diapering area and should not be automatically equated with reactions to diapers. Making the correct diagnosis requires a thorough examination of the skin in its entirety and a detailed report of the patient's medical and family history. Once a specific pattern is identified, a precise diagnosis, and an appropriate therapy, can be determined.